What you choose to focus on is ultimately up to you, but it should be based on the assigned material, and ideally trace connections (or contrasts) between those materials.

INSTRUCTIONS
Review the materials assigned so far and write a ~650 word response (longer entries are OK) that touches on the most important ideas/points from *EACH* day. High-scoring responses will integrate concepts from most or ALL assigned materials (although there may be some occasional discussions where you don’t incorporate the smaller/secondary readings or media if you already thoroughly covered the concepts in analyzing the primary/first reading from that day). At a minimum you must address the “main” reading (the first one listed in the module) for each day. And to earn an especially high score, you should also touch on the smaller/secondary pieces on the list for that day as well.
Any readings/films listed as “suggested further readings” or “optional” in a module will NOT count toward your score.
What do I write about?
Reading responses should record your thoughts and interpretations about what we’re reading, and further develop the methods of *PHILOSOPHIC* and *ETHICAL* analysis we’re practicing in class. What you choose to focus on is ultimately up to you, but it should be based on the assigned material, and ideally trace connections (or contrasts) between those materials. Please go beyond just summarizing the readings to really dig into the implications and philosophic dimensions of the issue. Assessment will be based on evidence that you have remained engaged in class and used each entry to develop your critical thinking, philosophic and ethical perspectives, and understanding of the issues and debates.
Before writing your entry, you should consult the reading comprehension questions (on the daily Canvas modules) that correspond to materials you discuss. While it will be helpful to take these into consideration, you are *NOT* required to respond directly to these Canvas questions; feel free to expand on issues you find personally interesting and share your unique perspective on them. Also keep in mind that strong philosophic writing often does NOT reduce an issue down to simpler terms, but rather expands on its complexity and ambiguity, revealing additional perspectives, philosophical insights, and possibilities within that work. Responses that engage complexity and nuance in these debates will generally earn a higher score.

REQUIREMENTS (grades will be based on these elements)
Length: ~650 words (longer entries are OK too!)
Include materials covered in the last 2 weeks. Choose as least the “primary” reading (the first one listed in the module) for EACH day. This means there will be a minimum of 4 items included if we’ve had 4 full class modules since your last submission. High-scoring responses will integrate concepts from most or ALL assigned materials (although there may be some occasional discussions where you don’t incorporate the smaller/secondary readings or media if you already thoroughly covered the concepts in analyzing the primary/”main” reading from that day).
Take a philosophic or ethical approach to analyzing the material, rather than just summarizing it or focusing on scientific/technical aspects. Remember this is a class on ETHICS, so you should think and write like a philosopher!
Try to trace connections (or contrasts) between the different materials, rather than discussing different issues for each reading/film featured in your essay.
Posts should give specific evidence that you completed and understood the week’s assigned materials. This means directly responding to details from the reading (or podcast or film) so I know you completed it. Entries that do not specifically refer to points, arguments, quotes or scenes in the material, but simply lapse into generalizations or personal opinions, will receive a low score.
You may include personal reflections & experiences related to the topic, but these should not displace the assigned reading.
Demonstrate that you have remained engaged in class discussions but also developed your own, original thoughts
Finally, if you are aiming for an A+ (a truly flawless essay and perfect score), check out these tips on how to write like a philosopher: see #5-7 in particular, and the bottom section titled “SOME STRATEGIES FOR WRITING LIKE A PHILOSOPHER.”

READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Jarvis article
Define shifting baseline syndrome, and give an example of this.
What is “defaunation”? Give an example of this in insect populations.
Why is the collapse of insect populations a problem? (name 2-3 consequences this article cites)
From 224-5, Matthews’ argues that simply “letting the world be” would actually halt the capitalist order. Identify & explain a few aspects that Matthews includes in this section to support her claim.
Briefly summarize Kate Soper’s concept of “alternative hedonism,” and explain how it would help promote a more sustainable society.
Name some of key historical developments Assadourian cites in tracking the rise of western consumer culture.
How does recent forest research disrupt the conventional evolutionary theories favoring individualism? Please give some examples.
What kind of larger ETHICAL issues or insights might we glean from this essay? How might this “community” view of forests (and other forms of life on our planet) point us toward more ethical and compassionate behaviors and practices?
How does the documentary you viewed, combined with the findings in the article, connect with other material or arguments we’ve covered so far? Do you see links to Suzuki, Singer, Wilson, Taylor, or any other readings?

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